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Shiplap as a backsplash? Installation?

9 years ago

I am considering using shiplap placed horizontally as a backsplash in the kitchen in our new home. Can I also use shiplap in the adjacent family room and dining area? Also, what is the preferred method of installation in family rooms and dining areas (vertical or horizontal)?

Comments (31)

  • 9 years ago

    That's a little harsh.....you might want to lower your nose a bit.

  • 9 years ago

    preferred method is horizontal. I would not use it as backsplash in the kitchen. Perhaps a look-alike tile?? Or maybe you would like to use the vinyl beadboard instead? Just paint it white and attach to the wall.

  • 9 years ago

    Sophie...I do appreciate all comments. What do you suggest using in a family room and dining room instead of shiplap? What are your thoughts regarding batten board. The house while located near the beach will have a farmhouse feel. Thank you (and Beth) for your input.

  • 9 years ago

    None of that is really suitable. There is nothing wrong with plain painted walls. They will never end up in the dumpster because a silly fad went out of style.

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I grew up in a 100+ y/o colonial in coastal New England with shiplap; however, I never even thought about it until Joanna Gaines made it popular again. I loved it growing up and I still love it now. To me, shiplap is classic and never goes out of style. We are currently renovating a colonial lake house in NH and we put shiplap in both our bathrooms. You must prime the wood and make sure you have a strong ventilation system. I think it looks stunning and gives the bathrooms much needed texture versus boring drywall. Plus, shiplap is so easy to install! I thought about putting shiplap in our kitchen but elected to go with a brick back splash instead. I think shiplap would look great on your dining room walls or maybe on just one wall as an accent? You can hang the shiplap horizontal or vertical...it would just depend on where you are putting it and what you think looks best. Just remember its your home, so go with what your heart tells you!

    A T thanked newhahagirl
  • 9 years ago

    newhahagirl...would you mind sending me a picture of your brick backsplash? I would love to see it...

  • 9 years ago

    We are starting the renovation in 2 weeks, so it hasn't been installed yet. Yes, we are doing a kitchen remodel right before the holidays, but its when we have time off and its a quiet time for contractors around here. If you can wait a few weeks, I'll post a before and after!

    A T thanked newhahagirl
  • 9 years ago

    Is this what you are referring to? The 2nd pic is actually a vinyl peel and stick




  • 9 years ago

    And the first pic must have freshly painted over the scorch marks behind the range. That is a fire hazard for sure.

  • 9 years ago
    I love shiplap in coastal and farmhouse homes. I agree it doesn't belong everywhere but it can be done beautifully. Most people (at least recently) do it in white, but it's also beautiful in a natural stain. I'd go with a light, almost white wood. It will be nice but also look natural and add texture to your farmhouse look.
    A T thanked Emily Jowers
  • 9 years ago

    Maybe they put a glass panel up there when they cook. I don't know. I didn't say it was a good idea. In fact, I did say no shiplap as backsplash. But the OP asked about it and I posted the pic to see if this is what she meant.

  • 9 years ago

    I agree with everyone else. Not in the kitchen.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    I personally thick that painted Shiplap applied horizontally is classic and timeless for a farmhouse look. I do typically paint it white but allow some of the natural character show through. I do agree that it does NOT belong in the kitchen. Tile is much more durable and I would stay with subway which will work well with your overall scheme.

    Tiny Mountain Cabin · More Info

  • 9 years ago

    Thriftydecorchick.com did a shiplap type backsplash/wall in her kitchen...I want to say she actually used a Hardie board siding or something (cement) but I can't remember.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Yes, a hardy board Shiplap would certainly be the most durable but it doesn't look the same as the kind used inside.

  • 9 years ago

    I have heard if you reverse the boards it looks much better

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    I don't believe that you will have the same affect with the hardiplank reversed as you do with the V groove Shiplap.

  • 8 years ago

    I love shiplap..I have it as back splash. Make sure you prime and seal it to be water resistant. I also have it above my fireplace behind the tv....and behind my range.


    And no burn marks at all. Heat does not go out the sides very much, no more then you can feel heat from a candle if you cup it.. its no more likely to singe as a candle on a mantel, or my three inch thick wood countertop next to my range.

  • 8 years ago

    Thank You!!! Terra Gazelle for posting an explanation and pictures. I so want shiplap in our kitchen. I have looked for the last 6 month for a backsplash that I like and I always go back to shiplap. Husband is not happy and hopes I change my mind but he has decided on roofing, siding, garage so I am going to be stubborn with the kitchen.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    My husband was not crazy over it at first../but now he says he really likes it. Men tend to take longer for change.lol.
    I went to Lowes and got two sheets of 3/8th pine sheathing..they cut it for free in strips..I got them 5 1/2 inches wide, we used a nickle space in between them. I sanded them, primed with a good primer that was also a mold killer...then painted. I used a clear matte polyacrylic on them so that I could wipe them down when necessary. Kitchens do get greasy.

    Good luck with your ship lap...I love mine...it goes well with my wood countertop.

  • 8 years ago
    I just built custom cabinets for our laundry room with the one next to the washer and dryer having a sink. I would love to do shiplap on that entire wall from the cabinet to the ceiling. The problem is that I made the cabinet doors with bead board panels (vertical). Do you think the two will clash? The cabinets will be medium gray, the walls light gray, the shiplap white and the countertops white with a little marbling.
  • 8 years ago

    Well you could do the cabinets the same color as the walls..and the shiplap white..the gray cabinets might blend into the wall then and be less noticeable. Or you might like the difference, then go with it. It's yours, I need to something with my laundry..I hate it..boring and just too crowded with stuff. I wanted to use a few of the cabinets we took out of our kitchen..but I kind of forgot to tell anyone and they ended up in the burn barrel.

    Draw your ideas out..check how you like it. But do what you like..good luck.
    Or you could fill in the bead board with putty and paint.


  • 8 years ago
    We have shiplap as a backsplash in our laundry. We primed and painted with a washable gloss on the back wall so it's easy to wipe off. I think it's adorable and no more trendy than that awful mosaic tile everyone is putting in, and much easier to remove down the road too.
  • 8 years ago

    Briana, I love the shiplap in your laundry. It's also so easy to paint the shiplap if you get tired of the white. I have seen it painted a dark color and I liked it alot, it makes the shiplap look modern.

  • 8 years ago

    This may be helpful, she talks about having it in her kitchen and behind the range


    http://www.thriftydecorchick.com/2015/10/my-unusual-backsplash-choice.html


  • 8 years ago
    Q. What is a good primer and water sealer to use on the shiplap?
  • 8 years ago
    I also dislike the trendy mosaic...yuck
  • 8 years ago

    I used primer Kilz 2 as a primer after sanding the ship lap...and Minwax matte polycrylic for sealing. The poly does not yellow over time like the other sealers will. The ship lap has held up good and I have no problem in wiping it down.

  • 8 years ago
    Silly people. Why is shiplap a fire hazard and not suitable for wet areas, but wood cabinets are?? Think deeper people. Shiplap properly sealed, primed, painted, etc, is no more a fire hazard than a wood counter, chopping block or cutting board. I guess my wood utensils should be thrown away and my wood floor, too.

    MOST cabinet fronts are made from MDF today. They are sealed, primed and painted to resist moisture damage. Same can be done with shiplap.

    All designs are silly fads, just because some come back doesn't mean they were always in style.